Wenderott Receives APS Innovation Fund Award

Jill Wenderott

Anne Stevens Assistant Professor Jill Wenderott received a 2024 American Physical Society (APS) Innovation Fund award to expand the activities of her Women Supporting Women in the Sciences (WS2) organization.

Wenderott co-founded WS2 with Joyce Elisadiki of the University of Dodoma, Tanzania, in 2018 with the mission to support and empower women in STEM globally by working together and sharing resources. Powered by an international team of volunteers, WS2’s initiatives have included design and distribution of low-cost physics and materials science lab kits relevant to K-12 students across the world. To date, WS2 kits have been enjoyed by over 5000 students.

2024 Innovation Fund award decisions align with 2025 being the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), marking 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics. Wenderott and WS2 will use the funds to embark on a new Lab Kit Initiative focused on quantum topics (Q-Kit Initiative).

"We're excited to continue making low-cost, hands-on lab kits for K-12 learners around the globe, but this time with a focus on quantum topics” said Wenderott. “Our lab kit design phase will commence in early 2025, and we will initially distribute our kits in East Africa with the help of local partners in mid-late 2025. Our aim is to reach 3000 students through this project. We are very grateful for the continued support from the APS Innovation Fund: this is the second time that leaders from WS2 have received this honor."


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